The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Cuts: Understanding the Top Diamonds & What Makes a Most Rare Diamond

Introduction

When exploring diamonds, most people focus on sparkle, size, or colour. But one of the the most fascinating aspects to understand is how the top diamonds distinguish themselves through cut and rarity. Some stones become known as the most rare diamond specimens because of unique cuts, exceptional provenance, or scarcity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ten most celebrated diamond cuts, explain why they matter, and highlight what can push a stone into the category of a most rare diamond. Along the way, we’ll refer frequently to top diamonds so the terms weave naturally into the text without feeling forced.

What Does “Cut” Actually Mean?

When people talk about the “cut” of a diamond, they often mean its shape. But technically, cut refers to how well the facets (flat planes) are proportioned and aligned. A well-executed cut ensures that light entering the diamond is reflected back in a dazzling display. The difference between an ordinary stone and truly top diamonds often comes down to the cut. Even a diamond with perfect color or clarity will appear lifeless if its cut is poor.

A cut also influences value — diamonds with ideal or excellent cuts are more desirable and can command higher prices. When a diamond is exceptionally well cut, especially in a rare shape or historical form, it can become known as the most rare diamond of its kind.

The Top 10 Diamond Cuts (and Their Appeal)

Here’s a refined look at the top diamonds through the lens of their cuts. Below, each cut is presented with what makes it remarkable — and occasionally, what can elevate one into the realm of a most rare diamond.

1. Round Brilliant Cut

The round brilliant is often the benchmark when we think of “top diamonds.” With 57 or 58 facets, it maximizes light return and offers unmatched fire and brilliance. Because of its symmetry and optical performance, many of the finest diamonds ever sold have been round brilliants. A round cut that is cut to perfection can, in rare instances, become known as the most rare diamond among rounds due to its extraordinary light performance.

2. Princess Cut

The princess cut is a square or rectangular form that combines modern flair with strong brilliance. It’s among the top diamonds in demand for engagement rings and modern settings. A princess cut with superb symmetry and proportional depth can fetch premium value, especially when it’s judged to be among the most rare diamond examples in its class.

3. Emerald Cut

Emerald cut stones emphasize clarity and depth over sparkle. The elongated, rectangular shape with step cuts creates a “hall of mirrors” effect. While not known for extreme brilliance, exceptional emerald cuts appear elegant and regal — some become most rare diamond specimens because their clarity and proportions are outstanding compared to typical emerald cuts.

4. Asscher Cut

Similar to the emerald cut but square, the Asscher cut is vintage in style and relatively uncommon. Among top diamonds, Asscher cuts stand out for their dramatic depth and clarity. Truly exceptional Asscher cuts can gain the reputation of most rare diamond pieces because they demand perfect cutting and have limited availability.

5. Marquise Cut

The marquise is a slender, boat-shaped cut with pointed ends. It can enhance the perception of size, but its long shape makes it harder to cut well. Because of the difficulty in producing excellent marquise cuts, only a small number reach the level of top diamonds, and among those, a few may be called the most rare diamond in marquise form.

6. Radiant Cut

Radiant cut diamonds blend the straight edges of the emerald with the brilliance of the round. This hybrid shape is versatile and sparkly. Among top diamonds, radiant cuts are admired for their versatility. The most flawless radiant cuts, especially in larger sizes, can ascend to most rare diamond status because of their scarcity and eye appeal.

7. Pear (Tear Drop) Cut

The pear shape combines round and marquise styles into a teardrop. It’s elegant and flattering, and as one of the top diamonds shapes, it offers both brilliance and a graceful silhouette. A pear cut that balances symmetry, length, and point precision can be elevated to “most rare diamond” territory in high-end collections.

8. Oval Cut

Oval cuts echo the brilliance of round cuts, but in an elongated profile. Many consider them among the top diamonds shapes because they seem to stretch the stone visually. An oval with ideal proportions and no bow-tie effect (a dark band across the center) can become one of the most rare diamond ovals ever offered.